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For Your Safety 137
FCC Hearing-Aid Compatibility (HAC) Regulations
for Wireless Devices
On July 10, 2003, the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Report and
Order in WT Docket 01-309 modified the exception of wireless phones under the
Hearing Aid Compatibility Act of 1988 (HAC Act) to require digital wireless phones
be compatible with hearingaids. The intent of the HAC Act is to ensure reasonable
access to telecommunications services for persons with hearing disabilities. While
some wireless phones are used near some hearing devices (hearing aids and
cochlear implants), users may detect a buzzing, humming, or whining noise. Some
hearing devices are more immune than others to this interference noise, and
phones also vary in the amount of interference they generate.
The wireless telephone industry has developed a rating system for wireless phones,
to assist hearing device users to find phones that may be compatible with their
hearing devices. Not all phones have been rated. Phones that are rated have the
rating on their box or a label located on the box.
The ratings are not guarantees. Results will vary depending on the user’s hearing
device and hearing loss. If your hearing device happens to be vulnerable to
interference, you may not be able to use a rated phone successfully. Trying out the
phone with your hearing device is the best way to evaluate it for your personal
needs.
M-Ratings: Phones rated M3 or M4 meet FCC requirements and are likely to
generate less interference to hearing devices than phones that are not labeled. M4
is the better/higher of the two ratings. T-Ratings: Phones rated T3 or T4 meet FCC
requirements and are likely to generate less interference to hearing devices than
phones that are not labeled. T4 is the better/ higher of the two ratings.
Hearing devices may also be rated. Your hearing device manufacturer or hearing
health professional may help you find this rating. Higher ratings mean that the
hearing device is relatively immune to interference noise. The hearing aid and
wireless phone rating values are then added together.
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